Health benefits to us from cats

Sticking with the theme of pets for today, there is a subject which I find absolutely fascinating. It is a well established fact that having pets is beneficial to your health. Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges it. Therapy dogs are used in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, retirement homes, hospices, and disaster areas. According to research, interaction increases the levels of dopamine and oxytocin in the brain while decreasing levels of cortisol. This helps reduce stress and depression. Therapy cats are also trained to help the sick and elderly. Using therapy cats in nursing homes has shown that patients are more alert and smile more. But the benefits do not stop there.

A cat's purr can actually help you physically heal. The vibrations from a cat's purr are within the range of 20-140Hz which is known to be therapeutic for many illnesses. Frequencies of  25 and 50Hz are ideal for healing bones. There is an old veterinarian adage that is still taught in veterinary schools today, "Put a cat in a room with a bunch of broken bones and the bones will heal". Is it just a coincidence that, compared to other animals such as dogs, cats rarely or never get bone diseases or muscle and tendon injuries? It is believed the purr of a cat can help heal bones. It is also believed that it can help in the healing of soft tissue such as muscles, tendons, and ligament injuries. And it is also suggested that purring aids in the healing of swelling and infections.

Along the lines of lower stress and reduced depression, a purring cat has been shown to reduce blood pressure. Studies have also shown that cat owners are 40% less likely to have a heart attack that non cat owners. And according to the Animal Planet website, there is scientific research that suggests pet owners live longer than those without pets.

One problem that can be overcome in both humans and cats as a result of a cat purr is dyspnea (difficulty with breathing). There was one Siamese cat that was in such respiratory distress that euthanasia was considered. However, when it was lifted and held, it started to purr and the respiratory distress eased. With regular attention and purring, it was well on the road to recovery within 24 hours. It is believed that this purring can also assist humans with dyspnea.

While it is a long time fact that pets, including cats, help with stress, depression, and blood pressure, I find the fact that the vibrations from their purrs can help heal other physical ailments, a totally fascinating subject. I believe a lot more research needs to be done in this area. In the meantime, hug your cat. Or if you don't yet have one, make your way to the nearest animal shelter, pick out that forlorn cat in the corner, and spend a very happy and healthy life together.